Evaluation of MRSASelect (™) chromogenic medium for the early detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from blood cultures.

Introduction: Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. In theory, reducing the turnaround time in reporting of methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) among patients with bactermia could assist with the rapid optimization of antimicrobial therapy.

Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of MRSASelect (Bio-Rad Laboratories, USA), a chromogenic medium, in the early detection of MRSA from blood cultures growing Gram-positive cocci in clusters, and to confirm that routine use of this medium would, in fact, reduce turnaround time for MRSA identification.

Successful treatment of pulmonary blastomycosis with continuously infused amphotericin B deoxycholate after failure with liposomal amphotericin B.

Objective: To describe a case of successful treatment of severe pulmonary blastomycosis with amphotericin B deoxycholate after failure of liposomal amphotericin B.

Case Summary: A 35-year-old male was exposed to damp decomposing wood while cleaning his basement. He subsequently developed a cough, malaise, fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Differences in antimicrobial susceptibility in Escherichia coli from Canadian intensive care units based on regional and demographic variables.

Objectives: Escherichia coli resistance to antimicrobials varies according to many factors. E coli isolates from Canadian intensive care units (ICUs) were studied to determine the distribution and demographics associated with antimicrobial resistance in this population.

Methods: The Canadian National Intensive Care Unit (CAN-ICU) study characterized pathogens isolated in Canadian ICUs from July 2005 to June 2006.

Characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in intensive care units in Canada: Results of the Canadian National Intensive Care Unit (CAN-ICU) study (2005-2006).

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are important hospital pathogens in Canada and worldwide.

Objectives: To genotypically and phenotypically characterize the isolates of MRSA, VRE and ESBL-producing E coli collected from patients in Canadian intensive care units (ICUs) in 2005 and 2006.

Methods: Between September 1, 2005, and June 30, 2006, 19 medical centres participating in the Canadian National Intensive Care Unit (CAN-ICU) study collected 4133 unique patient isolates associated with infections in ICUs.

ESBL genotypes in fluoroquinolone-resistant and fluoroquinolone-susceptible ESBL-producing Escherichia coli urinary isolates in Manitoba.

Objective: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli are increasingly common in nosocomial and community settings. Furthermore, fluoroquinolone (FQ) and even multidrug resistance (MDR) appear to be associated with certain ESBL genotypes. The purpose of the present study was to determine which ESBL genotypes are associated with FQ and MDR in E coli urinary isolates in Manitoba.